Why you need to know your IP address

Your IP address is the number that identifies your computer on your home network. When you set up a find home network, you'll need to know this number to log into your router, check which devices are connected, or troubleshoot why something isn't working the way you expect.

There are two IP addresses that matter for home security: your local IP address (the one inside your home network, usually starting with 192.168 or 10.0) and your public IP address (the one your internet provider assigns, visible to websites you visit). This guide covers finding your local IP address, which is what you need for router access and network management.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local IP address appears in Settings under Network & Internet, or you can type ipconfig in Command Prompt to see it when ready.
  • The address you're looking for starts with 192.168 or 10.0 and appears next to "IPv4 Address" in the results.
  • If you see multiple addresses, the one labeled "Default Gateway" is usually your router's address — write that down too.
  • Your IP address can change if your router restarts, so if you're logging into your router for security settings, assign yourself a static IP to keep it stable.

Finding your IP address through Windows Settings

Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the app. Go to Network & Internet, then click WiFi (if you're on wireless) or Ethernet (if you're plugged in with a cable).

Click the name of your network connection. Scroll down to "IP settings" and you'll see your IPv4 address listed there. This is your local IP address. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need it if you want to log into your router to change security settings.

Using Command Prompt for a faster view

Press the Windows key and type "Command Prompt", then open it. Type ipconfig and press Enter. You'll see a list of information about your network connection.

Look for the section labeled with your connection type (usually "Ethernet adapter" or "Wireless LAN adapter"). Find the line that says IPv4 Address — that's your local IP. Below it you'll see Default Gateway, which is your router's address. Both are useful to have written down.

What to do if you see multiple IP addresses

If you're connected to both WiFi and Ethernet at the same time, or if you have a VPN running, ipconfig will show you more than one address. The one that matters for your home network is the one under your active connection — the one you're actually using right now.

If you're using a VPN, that software will show you a separate IP address, but that's not your home network address. Ignore it for the purposes of accessing your router. Your home network IP is still the 192.168 or 10.0 address under your WiFi or Ethernet adapter.

Why your IP address sometimes changes

Your router assigns IP addresses to devices automatically using something called DHCP. This means your computer might get a different address the next time your router restarts or after a few days of being offline. For most things, this doesn't matter — your computer finds the internet just fine.

But if you're logging into your router to change security settings, or if you want to set up port forwarding for a specific device, a changing IP address becomes annoying. In that case, you can assign yourself a static IP address — a permanent one that doesn't change. This is done in your router's settings, not in Windows itself. Your router's manual or support page will show you how.

Finding your public IP address

Your public IP address is different from your local one — it's the address that websites see when you visit them. You don't need it for home network security, but it's worth knowing the difference.

To see your public IP, open any web browser and search "what is my IP" or visit a site like whatismyipaddress.com. The address shown there is what the outside internet sees. Your router hides your local network behind this one public address, which is part of how your home network stays protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if ipconfig shows "169.254" as my IP address?

That means your computer didn't get an address from your router. Check that you're connected to WiFi or plugged in with an Ethernet cable, and that your router is powered on. Restart your computer and try again. If it still shows 169.254, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Is it safe to share my local IP address with someone?

Your local IP address (192.168 or 10.0) only works inside your home network, so sharing it with someone outside your home doesn't give them access to anything. Your public IP is more sensitive — it identifies your location roughly and can be used to target you with attacks, so don't share that one. When you need tech support, it's usually safe to share your local IP.

Can I change my IP address myself?

You can assign yourself a static local IP through your router's settings, which keeps the same address from changing. You cannot change your public IP directly from Windows — that's controlled by your internet provider. If you want a different public IP for privacy reasons, you would use a VPN service, which routes your traffic through a different server.

Do I need to know my IP address to use the internet normally?

No. Your computer handles IP addresses automatically in the background. You only need to know it if you're troubleshooting a network problem, logging into your router to change settings, or setting up a device to work a specific way on your network.